A DEVELOPER is accused of attempting to duck an order to preserve a copy of one of Sidcup’s oldest buildings.

The 300-year-old Black Horse pub in the High Street was demolished last year to make way for an 84-bedroom Travelodge.

Planning permission was granted on the condition Hillingdon Developments build a new facade reflecting the pub as it was in 1897.

But Bexley Council has slapped an enforcement notice on the company to force it to build the planned pastiche because the structure it has put up bears little resemblance to the former listed building.

Rinka Halliday used to be a barmaid at the Black Horse and is appalled at what has replaced the tavern she worked at in the 1980s.

The 68-year-old, who can see the structure from her home, said: "It’s an absolute eyesore, it’s horrible.

"Where the Black Horse was they have put up breeze blocks, little windows and plasterboard.

"The notice is to make sure they do what they should have done, which is to put a substantial building there."

The Green resident added: "The Black Horse was the focal point of Sidcup when I worked there.

"It’s an absolute tragedy."

Hillingdon Developments has three months to comply with the council’s notice as of Monday (DEC 10) but has appealed against it.

Sidcup Community Group has strongly objected to the move.

A statement said: "This has all the makings of a monumental farce and another nail in the coffin for what remains of the Sidcup that many remember."

The group urged residents to "make their feelings known" to the planning inspectorate in Bristol before a deadline for submissions early next year.

A Bexley Council spokeswoman said: "An enforcement notice has been served following the grant of planning permission for the demolition and re-development of 1-3 Sidcup High Street including the former Black Horse public house.

"Despite warnings to carry out works in accordance with the approved drawings the façade remains devoid of the features required."

Comments (2)

"Despite warnings to carry out works in accordance with the approved drawings the façade remains devoid of the features required."

Hillingdon Developments was unavailable for comment.

They took the money and run. Oh well that's the story of every developer and council; gr££d. Money rules. History, who cares.

Too many high streets are sterile, lack personality or are full of pound shops or both!. I guess the pub will be a 'spoons pub as well.

"Despite warnings to carry out works in accordance with the approved drawings the façade remains devoid of the features required."
Hillingdon Developments was unavailable for comment.
They took the money and run. Oh well that's the story of every developer and council; gr££d. Money rules. History, who cares.
Too many high streets are sterile, lack personality or are full of pound shops or both!. I guess the pub will be a 'spoons pub as well.adx1220